Break the Bias: International Women’s Day 2022
7 March 2022
Esther Ambrose-Dempster, a PhD Student in the Chemistry department, chooses four women-authored books which inspire her to address gender inequality.
![User taking an item from library shelf. User is wearing a protective mask.](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/library/sites/library/files/styles/large_image/public/user-taking-book-from-shelf-mask.jpg?itok=gRrml0LR)
An integral part of UCL is that we were the first university to admit women to study on equal terms with men in the UK. In 1878 this also meant being one of the first in the world. But we don’t have to look far in the university setting or in the wider world to see that gender bias still riddles society.
International Women’s Day is on Tuesday 8 March, and this year the main theme is #BreakTheBias. I have chosen four women-authored books which relate to the inequality suffered by women around the world, and gender bias. These books and authors have inspired me to address this, as a woman in STEM and in larger society, by joining the fight.
#BreakTheBias
Women don't owe you pretty
![Book cover: Women don't owe you pretty, by Florence Given](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/library/sites/library/files/styles/small_image/public/women-dont-owe-you-pretty-book-cover.jpg?itok=NMUkgYuT)
With an emphasis on healing, accountability and empowerment, everyone will learn from this book. Whatever your position, as one of the discussed marginalised groups or not, Given advocates that "prettiness is not a rent you pay for occupying a space marked ‘female’" (Erin McKean) as stated on the first page. Points beautifully articulated, inspiring change and breaking the bias of what is expected of womxn, this book is a masterpiece and harnesses everything International Women’s Day is all about.
Girl, woman, other
![Book cover: Girl, Woman, Other, by Bernardine Evaristo](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/library/sites/library/files/styles/small_image/public/girl-woman-other-book-cover.jpg?itok=dQEhjOUQ)
Also available from the UCL library and gaining numerous glowing reviews, this book is up there in my favourite reads. It addresses uncomfortable truths as well, told through the lives of 12 black women in Britain. Beautifully poetic, witty and fierce, she inspires compassion and shines a light on a less spotlighted side of history/society. The feeling and soul to this story encourage unity, empowerment and a mentality of going against the grain, of breaking out of the boxes we often find ourselves placed in.
Celebrating women
A history of Britain in 21 women
![Book cover: A history of Britain in 21 women, by Jenni Murray](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/library/sites/library/files/styles/small_image/public/a-history-of-britain-in-21-women-book-cover.jpg?itok=wQZpqwog)
Gloria Steinem’s distinction between history and the past, summarises the necessity of this book in our education. In the past, women’s achievements are just that, in history they are often overlooked. Murray emphasises that we should never assume that our won rights will remain. We should not relax vigilance. These women each defied bias and inequality. They didn’t give up, and neither should we.
Raise awareness, take action
The war on women: and the brave ones who fight back
![Book cover: The war on women: and the brave ones who fight back by Sue Lloyd-Roberts](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/library/sites/library/files/styles/small_image/public/the-war-on-women-book-cover.jpg?itok=k7ONkUKb)
Tragically Lloyd-Roberts died of cancer before completing it, but as a legacy to leave behind along with her decorated career, it is the raw, harsh face of reality, and ultimately encompasses what a marvel she herself was. She brought awareness fearlessly to the wars of today, as a woman, in the face of the oppressor, taking action against discrimination.
Women in STEM
In STEM we have an additional day celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February, because the playing fields are so uneven. As a woman in STEM, the drive for change is apparent and necessary. These books are my selection of those I have found most inspiring to create change within society. Each, for me, highlights that we can’t all do it all – some are able to do more than others in the name of equality, like these authors, or the women in these books. But it’s the unity and fire that is ignited to fight inequality and break the bias, that has given each of these books a place here.